Open+Source

 Open Source  ** Introduction ** **Open Source**  is a term used for source code that is open for anyone to use and modify by collaboration. According to [|Bruce Perens] , open source "began with the start of computers, because at that time software was just passed around between people." With the help of various computer savvy individuals, open source has become a key resource for programmers and business alike.    <span style="COLOR: rgb(14,12,12); FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 90%; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 120%; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">               <span style="FONT-SIZE: 90%; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"> <span style="FONT-SIZE: 120%; COLOR: rgb(0,0,0); FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="COLOR: rgb(14,12,12); FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 120%; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif"><span style="FONT-SIZE: 90%; FONT-FAMILY: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif">
 * The History

** One of the most widely recognized developers to start the open source movement is Richard Stallman. In January of 1984, Stallman began the [|GNU project], which stands for Gnu's Not Unix. With the GNU project, Stallman had to begin from scratch by writing the source code for this new software with other developers and replace programs needed for the project to be a success. To complete the project, a kernel was needed, which is where Linus Torvalds enters the picture. Although Torvalds worked independently from the GNU project, he developed a kernel that would in turn create an entire system,known as [|Linux] that would incorporate many programs together. With the help of the [|Apache Web Server], Linux was able to become widely popular. The Apache Web Server allowed internet users to explore Linux and all of its accessories in such a way that it was easy to gain access and use. To help keep open source an ongoing developmental process, it was placed under the General Public License which allowed users to modify code, fix code and redistribute code.

<span style="FONT-SIZE: 250%; COLOR: rgb(185,24,24)"> **The Aftermath** After Linux was launched as a successful operating system, open source began to become more and more popular among users across the world. Other programmers took special notice in Linux because of its expected prosperity. [|Redhat] is a company that uses open source as a platform for business softwares and is also a user of Linux. In 1999, RedHat Software became the first Linux company to go public.By this point in time, free software and open source had gained momentum not only in the computer world but also in the world of business.In 1999, Linux also made its debut in the stock exchange. The first trade came to be $299 per share, a huge record in trade history[1]. In 2001, Eric Raymond published his revolutionary essay [|The Cathedral and the Bazaar] which compares proprietary software (the cathedral) and the bazaar open source software. Over the years, hundreds of programmers have taken it upon themselves to develop top of the line programs with open source code. The site [|OpenEducationDisc] provides a wide range of programs that are useful for students with interests in areas such as graphic design, art, writing, music, science and math and even gaming. These programs are free of charge and are easily accessible with a simple download. In addition, the site [|Open Source Living] contains numerous open source programs and information for those interested. With sites like these, there is no excuse for anyone to be hindered from using remarkable programs due to cost or copyright infringement.

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 * The Free Software Movement and the GNU/Linux Operating System**

1. Statistics from [|Revolution OS movie]

Photo 1: [|cc] [|Open Source Reading] by [|heidigoseek] Photo 2: [|cc] [|officialpenguin] by [|esambale] Photo 3: [|cc] [|Open Source is Addictive] by [|magerleagues]